New Champions, Fireworks, International Crowd Highlight PEAK World Finals at The Dirt Track This Weekend

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

HHP

Beginning tomorrow, the three biggest series in dirt racing will take to the four-tenths-mile clay oval for the sixth annual PEAK Motor Oil World of Outlaws World Finals. Running Thursday through Saturday, the PEAK World Finals is the season-ending event for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series and the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds.

Three new champions will be crowned in front of what is expected to be a fourth consecutive sellout crowd. Below are some key storylines leading into “The Greatest Show on Dirt.”

Champions will be Crowned on Saturday

The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series and Late Models Series, along with the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds will come together for the PEAK World Finals presented by NAPA beginning Thursday. Heading into the weekend, Donny Schatz looks to clinch his fifth World of Outlaws Sprint Car series title. Schatz swept both World Finals races in 2011. Darrell Lanigan hopes to win his second World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship, but has never won at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Two-time defending Super DIRTcar Series champion Matt Sheppard leads the points and could become the first driver to win three consecutive Big-Block Modified titles.

“The Dirt Track is a big, fast place; it’s very tough to get yourself out of a hole. We’ve put ourselves in good positions with qualifying and where we’ve started and maintained,” said Schatz. “We’ve had great cars and a great package going in there. There’s They seem to change the configuration of the racetrack every time we go there by moving the infield in and out every time we go there so it will be kind of unique to see what it brings this time but we’re all looking forward to going there.”

World Finals Draws International Crowd

Fans and drivers alike will travel from across the United States and the globe for the sixth annual running of the PEAK World Finals presented by NAPA. The Dirt Track at Charlotte will be the destination for fans from 47 different states, the District of Columbia, five Canadian provinces, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

World Finals to be shown in Prime Time

The PEAK World Finals presented by NAPA will once again be broadcast in prime time. SPEED will televise four hours of Saturday night’s championship action live beginning at 8 p.m. EDT. “Wind Tunnel” host Dave Despain will host the broadcast with Ralph Sheheen, Brad Doty and Shane Andrews calling the action.

Pit Pass gives Fans a Unique Perspective

Fans who are attending the PEAK World Finals presented by NAPA and are looking to get up close and personal with their favorite drivers now have that opportunity with the purchase of a pit pass. Any fan in attendance can upgrade their grandstand ticket to include a pit pass for just $15 per day. Three-day pit passes can also be purchased for $85 without a grandstand seat. A pit pass will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the drivers and their crews as they work on the cars.

Fireworks and Free Concert added to Racing Fun

A ticket to the PEAK World Finals presented by NAPA at The Dirt Track at Charlotte is more than just an opportunity to experience the best dirt track racing in the country. It is also a ticket to enjoy a free concert by up-and-coming country star Jason Sturgeon. Sturgeon will perform a 90-minute concert on Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for all fans in attendance. In addition to the concert, there will be an incredible fireworks display on Friday and Saturday that will be sure to heat up the night.

Single-day tickets start at $20 for adults on Thursday and $39 on Friday and Saturday. Single-day tickets for children are $10 on Thursday and $15 on Friday and Saturday.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, gates open at 3 p.m. with opening ceremonies at 4:45 p.m. each day.